If you’re looking for a kerosene forced air heater, this guide is a handy look into what you need to consider and which brands have good products on offer. It is important to understand your own needs before selecting a kerosene heater.
Consider your family’s daily life and the use you will be getting from it. From understanding the capacity of the heater, you need to know which safety features are available. Read the following rundown for advice on where to look.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Kerosene Forced Air Heaters
Comparison of the Best Kerosene Forced Air Heater
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Choosing the Right Kerosene Forced Air Heater for You
If you’re in the market for a kerosene heater, you may be considering the right kerosene forced air heater for you. In this sense, taking these few things into consideration will help you make the right purchase for you.
The Model
Consider the type of heater that you would like to have. Available the most of times as either radiant or convective heaters, you will be looking for a convective heater if you want the kerosene forced air heater. Alternatively, modern radiant versions are often fitted with a fan option. This enables you to enjoy both forms of heat, often mimicking convective devices.
Remember that radiant models tend to be square while convective versions are most often round. This aesthetic may be an important factor in your home.
Safety Concerns
It is imperative that you consider safety when you use a kerosene heater as the fuel is highly flammable. If you have small children or pets, this is something to especially take into account.
Some people may think a kerosene heater can’t provide the necessary safety in these scenarios. But new devices are usually fitted with safety mechanisms. When considering a purchase, you need to look for these. Tip-over and overheat protection are the most important.
Tip-over protection will either sound an alarm or cut off the fuel (and therefore flame) if the heater tips over. Overheat protection will do either of these two things. In case the heater’s temperature surpasses the safe level of use.
Equally, look for a model which includes carbon monoxide sensors. While the odor from the kerosene may be quite strong, carbon monoxide is an odorless noxious gas that can be created from the incomplete combustion of kerosene. Carbon monoxide sensors will alert you to the presence of CO, and/or switch off the fuel.
The odor of kerosene can also be disrupting and should not be inhaled, especially by children. Igniting your kerosene heater outside may help, but also look for reviews on how easy each heater is to light. This will help decrease the smell, as will proper ventilation in your house.
Size and Capacity
You need to think about the size of the space you intend to heat. If you are trying to heat a large space with a small burner, you’ll find that the heater uses a lot of energy and the room doesn’t tend to warm up enough. Equally, a large heater in a room too small will create too much heat, proving to be inefficient.
Consider the power of the heater. Most kerosene heaters indicate the size space that they can heat.
Portability
While you may think you want to keep your heater in one place, portability can be very important. This most often comes to pass when the heater needs refueling. When the tank is full, is it easy to carry due to a handle or can it be wheeled along? Is the tank far too heavy for you to carry? Can the heater be moved while it is lit?
Price
The price is a tricky one to think about. You must have all the other factors correct to understand if you are recovering value for money. Budget options may not have the capacity you need, meaning you end up spending more money more frequently on fuel.
Conversely, very expensive heaters may include features that you do not need and may be more powerful than you want. This leaves you spending far more upfront than necessary.
Remove that eco features and environmentally-friendly components will use less energy. This leads to cost savings on your bills. Make sure you take this into account when considering the upfront cost.
Extra Features
Firstly, think about fuelling the tank. When you choose a model, ensure you look for devices that are simple to refuel yourself and aren’t too heavy to maneuver.
Newer models tend to boast thermostats to help with more comfortable settings. Some also have timers and fans to blow the air more evenly around the room. All these added features help to improve your experience. Although, they can add to the cost and increase fuel usage, sometimes needing electricity too.
Review of the Best Kerosene Forced Air Heaters
Below are some of the best kerosene forced air heaters on the market today. Take a look at the reviews to see whether they have the right features for what you’re looking for.
Best Overall
Mr. Heater F270270 MH75KTR Forced-Air Kerosene Heater
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): 1,875
Heating Capacity: 75,000 BTU
Dimensions: 32.68 x 17.32 x 14.02 inches
Weight: 37.9 pounds
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Review
This model has 75,000 BTU of heating power and comes with high-output, fully enclosed motors. With user-friendly controls, the heater has high-limit safety switches. And shut-off mechanisms for unsafe conditions.
This model is great for heating large spaces immediately but tends to have quite a strong smell. While it protects itself from overheating, it doesn’t shut off when tipped. It is easy to carry around due to its lightweight, and it is a very durable heater.
Pros
Can operate for 11 hours on a full tank of fuel
Extremely durable, made from high-quality steel
There is overheat shut-off to protect from dangerous temperatures
Its fixed heat output is very high, making it suitable to heat large spaces quickly
Comes equipped with a thermostat for more precise heating control
Cons
Has quite a strong kerosene odor
There is no tip-over protection or carbon monoxide sensory mechanism
Struggles to light in the cold, even using the cold weather lighting methods given in the instructions
Runner-up
Mr. Heater F270370 MH175KTR Forced-Air Kerosene Heater
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): 4,375
Heating Capacity: 175,000
Dimensions: 40.2 x 18.2 x 22.1 inches
Weight: 68.5 pounds
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Review
With 175,000 BTU of power behind it, this heater can warm spaces of up to 4,375 square feet. Ideal for large-scale use, it has a 13.4-gallon fuel tank and can run for up to 10 hours. It has a thermostat for better programming, and the handles and wheels help portability.
This heater is great for large spaces and works with a lot of power. It can burn for 10 hours without refueling and can easily be moved from place to place. While the safety features are great, the ignition tends to be a little temperamental.
Pros
175,000 BTU is a lot of power and can heat rooms quickly
There is a high-output fan which enables a more even spread of heat around the room
Comes with wheels for easy portability, as well as handles that fold down when not in use
The no-flame technology, combined with the overheat safety sensors, make this a far safer option for those with children and pets
Cons
Tends to get quite sooty
Customers have complained that the ignitions are not particularly durable
Best for the Money
Dyna-Glo KFA50DGD Kerosene Forced Air Heater
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): 1,200
Heating Capacity: 50,000
Dimensions: 11.69 x 32.01 x 16.69 inches
Weight: 26.9 pounds
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Review
Producing 45,000 BTUs of heat, this model is designed to warm 1,100 square feet. With its 5-gallon fuel tank, it can heat for 14 hours on a fuel tank of gas. It features a high-powered blower, fuel and overheat shut-off, and electric ignition.
This is an excellent medium-sized efficient heater. It doesn’t have wheels, but it is quite light and has a carry handle. The safety mechanisms are appropriate to ensure carbon monoxide production and overheating don’t occur, yet there is nothing to monitor it tipping over.
Pros
Will shut-off if it overheats or if the flame goes out
Motor is enclosed with aluminum to preserve its durability
Carry handle and its lightweight make it quite easy to move about
Quite efficient for its size, lasting for a lot of hours for such a small model
Cons
Doesn’t have wheels
There are no safety mechanisms to alert the user if it tips over, making it an issue for those with kids
You need to make sure you read the warranty as the company is restrictive with returns in the case of damage
Dyna-Glo Delux KFA135DGD Kerosene Forced Air Heater
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): 3,200
Heating Capacity: 135,000
Dimensions: 41.85 x 21.54 x 32.44 inches
Weight: 52.25 pounds
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Review
Engineered with portability in mind, this heater comes with wheels and a carry handle. It has a whopping 135,000 BTU, blowing out enough heat to warm 3,200 square feet. It has an electric ignition and thermostat for easier use, and the aluminum-encased motor is designed for durability.
Placed near a socket or with an extension cord, this model is a powerful heater that has easy controls and can be moved without much trouble. It has a slight odor that comes from it, but it is durable and includes safety features to increase its lifespan.
Pros
Will shut-off if there is either a flame-out or overheating scenario
The Comfort Control Thermostat is always on to ensure an even temperature while in use
Wheels enable easy portability, while the ergonomic handles are designed to make carrying it far easier
Components used, the construction grade steel drain plug and the aluminum casing, increase its longevity
Incorporates patented Dual Heat Technology. It enables the user to switch between two settings for more or less heat
Cons
AC cord for the fan is very short
Strong smell of kerosene and the fuel sometimes leaks
No filter or strainer of the fuel inlet, so debris sometimes enters the fuel tank
Mr. Heater F270320 MH125KTR Forced-Air Kerosene Heater
Specifications
Coverage Area (sq ft): 3,125
Heating Capacity: 125,000
Dimensions: 35.9 x 16.95 x 20.9 inches
Weight: 59.2 pounds
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Review
Including no-flame technology and overheat sensors, this model is safe and efficacious. The 125,000 BTU heat output can warm up to 3,125 square feet, while the 8.5-gallon tank can last for up to 15 hours.
A good heater for a medium to large space, the high-powered fan pushes hot air around evenly, while the wheels make for easy movement. While not always so durable, it can be easily fixed.
Pros
Wheels make it easy to transport
High-power fan to push the heat around evenly
Adjustable thermostat makes it easy to control and allows for more flexibility
No-flame technology and overheat sensors are a good addition, especially for those considering the safety of kids or pets
Cons
Some of the parts inside aren’t as durable as other models
How Do Forced Air Kerosene Heaters Work?
Kerosene heaters contain circular wicks, generally constructed from fiberglass or cotton. Below there is a tank, which the user fills with kerosene. The wick is attached to the burner unit, which is then mounted on top of the kerosene-filled tank. The wick absorbs the fuel up through the material.
This wick is lit, and the kerosene is sucked into the combustion tank and turns to gas. This combustion heats the surrounding air or objects, depending on the type of heater. Convection heaters will heat the air, while radiation heaters warm surrounding objects.
To increase heat, the wick is pushed upward to create more exposed fuel. This increases the flame, in turn producing more heat. To turn the heater off, the wick is pulled back into the burner unit, which snuffs it out.
In some of the more modern models, a fan is incorporated. As they use the latest technological advancements. This fan is usually powered by electricity and helps to push the warmed air outward. Equally, thermostats and electric ignition mechanisms have also made our life easier. By increasing accuracy and performance consistency.
Due to the fuel used, kerosene heaters tend to have a distinctive odor, especially when lighting. This is because some of the kerosene is not being burned well. Lighting a heater outside is often easier, to blow away the odor, while also allowing more oxygen to burn all the fuel.
Types of Kerosene Heaters
There are two main types of kerosene heaters. The simple distinguishing factor between the two is that convective kerosene heaters warm the air in the room. While radiant kerosene heaters increase the temperature of the objects in the room.
Convective heaters are aesthetically different from their radiant counterparts. They tend to be round with a tank for the fuel that is located directly below it. The wick sits above with the combustion chamber. Convective heaters work by sucking in cold air, usually at the bottom. This cold air is heated and is then pushed out of the device.
The hot air rises, which pushes the cold air downward and into the heater. This circulates the air around the room to create an even temperature. They tend to be extremely efficient and work best in larger spaces. They can often be suitable for heating a whole house.
The other type of kerosene heater is a radiant heater. These models are more often found to be rectangular. Also featuring the wick and combustion chamber, radiant heaters can be differentiated by their reflector. This reflector is designed to direct heat toward people and objects in the room.
More suitable for smaller spaces, some models include a fan to blow this heat around, adding convection heat. This allows them to be used more comfortably in larger spaces.
Different from convective heaters, some radiant models do not include a fuel tank. While most do, the ones without requiring an external, removable fuel tank to be attached.
Conclusion
Kerosene forced air heaters are a great idea for people looking to heat large spaces quickly. They have a great deal of power behind them and are quite efficient. Look for models that are more easily portable, such as devices that include comfortable carry handles or wheels.
Mr. Heater MH75KTR
Even if you intend to keep it inside, sometimes moving it outside to light can help to prevent the familiar fuel odor. Equally, remember to measure your space first to find a heater that fits your needs.
People Also Ask
Knowing the top models you can go for if you’ve decided to buy a kerosene heater is not enough. In fact, there might be questions brimming in your mind regarding these. Hopefully, these questions can help you find the answers you’re looking for.
A kerosene heater needs sufficient ventilation in order for it to operate safely. It consumes oxygen and gives out carbon dioxide along with other gases, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide.
It’s perfectly safe to use a kerosene heater indoors as long as the room is sufficiently vented such that it lets in fresh air and allows carbon monoxide to escape.
